The gutter system is a crucial part of your roof! Gutters serve as the drainage system to direct rainwater away from your home. In fact, they play a vital role in preventing water damage and flooding. However, when gutters are clogged or leaky, they can cause issues on your roof, and can damage the entirety of your property. It is crucial to clean and maintain your gutters properly so you can prevent water damage to your roof and home.
In this article, we will share three practical tips to help ensure your gutters remain clean and functional:
1. Make time for usual cleanings
You can conduct a general cleaning for your gutters to ensure debris and other elements are eliminated. Use a standard garden trowel to take out the junk and debris build-up and run a garden hose into the gutters to wash out the remaining elements. Be mindful of how the water flows out of the gutter because this will help you identify any additional clogs or leaks.
2. Clean the downspouts
Aside from leaks, be sure to watch for water that comes out of your gutter downspouts. If there is no outflow of water from the system, it’s likely that the downspout is clogged with debris. This can be a serious issue! Prevent further damage from happening by removing the elbow joint from the downspout to check where the blockage is. You can easily reach in and remove what’s causing the clog. This is typically a simple process, especially when a blockage is near the bottom opening of the downspout.
If you discover a large blockage and it is in the middle of the downspout, you may need to use a broom handle or other tools, like a drain snake, to eliminate the blockage. Cleaning your downspouts regularly is important to prevent major damage in the future.
3. Install gutter guards
Gutter systems are not meant to be high-maintenance! One way to reduce the time you spend maintaining them is to install gutter guards. These are covers that are added on the top of the gutters. They have holes that allow water to flow through, yet they can block large debris from getting caught in your gutter system. Choose gutter covers made from mesh or porous foam because they can help slow down the clogging.
Here are some other important details that Indianapolis homeowners can keep in mind:
- If the gutters are near overhanging trees, they must be cleaned at least twice a year. Leaves are notorious gutter-clogging culprits!
- Inspect where the downspouts meet the gutter system because this is where most blockages usually occur.
- After a windy day or a major storm, always check your gutters because they could get clogged from debris.
- Remove any loose pieces in the system – rattling sections of poorly installed or older gutters can contribute to future damage.
Taking care of your gutter system is essential and will help you avoid costly repairs in the long run. Remember that your roof itself isn’t the only fixture you need to take care of – the gutter system is also an important part of the roof, and it requires equal care and attention. Prevent the possibility of facing more significant problems over the years!
You now know three valuable tips about taking care of your home’s gutter system. We know that many Indianapolis homeowners are not thrilled with the idea of cleaning their gutter system while being up on the roof or a ladder. The good news is, you don’t have to do it by yourself because you can always hire experts to conduct regular maintenance to your roof – and that includes cleaning and inspecting your gutter system. That way, you don’t have to worry about going up there and spending a day cleaning your gutters!
Are you looking for the best local Indianapolis contractors to take care of your gutters? At Pro-Quality Contractors, our experts offer gutter services like system repair, installation, and even maintenance. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!
